[Iscool]

Because of this the church has tried to screen out homosexual persons from the priesthood. The all-male environment of seminaries and the ordained priesthood afford a safe-haven for homosexuals. Men with same-sex attraction, under the cover of celibacy, can easily “date” and engage in couple type activities without raising an eyebrow. For example, homosexual clergy can go out to dinner; certainly innocuous in itself. However, if a straight priest attempts this with a woman tongues will wag. And, if it is a repeated occurrence he will find himself in the bishop’s office with a stern warning that his behavior is scandalous to the faithful and dangerous to his vocation.

Very valid observation...No different to have a heterosexual leaning priest to move in with a bunch of nuns; even using the same restroom facilities as the nuns...Torture the celibate priest with temptation...

[Mrs. Don-o]

This is a major reason why men troubled by a restless sex attraction to other men, ought not to be in the seminary, a boys' school, or in any other mostly-male environment (e.g. military boot camp). It puts them in a constant "near occasion of sin," which it is morally obligatory to avoid.

This does create difficulties for same-sex-attracted men who are trying to achieve the inward peace of chaste singleness for the Lord. With men, they tend to develop crushes, uncomfortable stirred-up feelings. But they can't normally just go and hang out with women; nor are they necessarily suited for a starkly solitary (hermit-like) existence.

The SSA men I have known who are trying to walk in chastity, have had quite difficult struggles. Really, they need our prayers and our understanding support.

The Catholic chastity support group Courage has this as its aim; unfortunately, they remain a small fledgling group.